Lake Murray, SC May 2024

The Jewel Of South Carolina Offers 650 Miles Of Shoreline Of World-Class Fishing, Sailing, Boating, Golf, And An Array Of Seasonal Wildlife.

Lake Murray feeds from three different rivers and covers four counties of the Midlands. With waterfront restaurants, marinas, concerts, or camping at Dreher Island State Park there is something to satisfy every water enthusiast’s craving.

The Downing Group is proud to be able to feature one of the last unforgettable and undeveloped lot parcels on Lake Murray, 0.8 acres with 316’ of water frontage, and deep water all around! To the right, Hilton Cove and Bear Creek flow into Lake Murray; to the left, big water views towards Shull and Bomb Islands. See the tens of thousands of Purple Martins leave in the morning and return at dusk to Bomb Island.

TheDowningGroup.com

803.884.9962

Let's Hear it for the Ladies!

I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Family is so special to me. We recently welcomed our second granddaughter. We are blessed to have 3 children, and now 4 grandchildren. They truly enrich our lives each and every day! Our wives, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Lake Murray's women.

They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

Thanks!

DAVID HAYTH, PUBLISHER @LAKEMURRAYLIFESTYLE

PS  We celebrate 5 Years this month. Stay tuned for more in our

DAVID HAYTH, PUBLISHER @LAKEMURRAYLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER

David Hayth | david.hayth@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Alexandra Hill | alexandra.hill@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Mason Jar Photography - Kelly Mason

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

All-inclusive independent retirement living is the gift that gives all year long! We take care of everything for one monthly price and no buy-in fee, so you can celebrate life every day. And by everything we mean:

ARTICLE

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. These easy-to-follow recipes are exploding with flavor and are simple to make.

LEMON ALMOND LOAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¾ cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

LEMON GLAZE ICING:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and lightly mix. Stir in flour mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and then carefully remove from the pan. Next, make the lemon glaze by combining all of the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze all over the loaf and sprinkle with almond slices. Enjoy!

SOURDOUGH BREAD

For an added health benefit, try this probiotic-rich sourdough bread known for being easy to digest and a healthier gut-friendly option. To make sourdough bread, you will need a starter which can take anywhere from 7-14 days. To make your own, mix flour and water together in a jar and feed the starter each day until ready. There are many sourdough starter recipes online.

SOURDOUGH STARTER INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons sourdough starter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 5 teaspoons water

DOUGH INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup active sourdough starter

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 cups flour

INSTRUCTIONS:

Twelve hours before you plan to mix the dough, add the ingredients to make ¼ cup of active sourdough starter. Stir and cover and let the starter rise. The starter is ready when it has doubled in size and there are bubbles on the surface and sides.

To make the dough, add ¼ cup sourdough starter and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and stir. Next, add 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Use a spatula to work the ingredients together until there are no more dry ingredients in the bowl. Wet your hand with a little water to prevent sticking, and pick up the dough on one side of the bowl and stretch it up and over itself. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this step until you have turned the bowl a full circle. Cover the bowl and let the dough sit for 30 minutes. Repeat the folding process one more time. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise on your counter for 8-10 hours.

Next, on a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a ball by pulling the dough into the middle of itself. Turn the ball over so the seam is down. Use your hands to gently pull and cup the dough until it forms a tight skin. Place the dough on parchment paper and transfer the paper and dough to a medium sized bowl. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Score the top of dough with a sharp knife. Use the parchment paper to lift the dough up and transfer to a dutch oven. Place the lid on and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown.

ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Spring Floral Bowl

BRING THE BRIGHTNESS AND FRESHNESS OF SPRING INDOORS BY CREATING YOUR OWN FLORAL BOWL ARRANGEMENT.

Spring, come quickly! And if not, bring spring indoors anyway. Flowers brighten any room, any day of the year. No need to wait for a special occasion or holiday – give yourself permission to brighten everyday life with a bowl full of flowers. Place florals in an entryway, kitchen, living room space or even bathroom. Florals make any room come alive with pops of color and the smells of spring that’s just about ready to burst outside.

Consider this your personal invitation to play with flowers by creating your very own Floral Bowl Arrangement. Use any cereal bowl in the kitchen and a bundle of store bought flowers. For extra texture and depth, look for small spring branches and ornamental grasses found in your yard to pop into the arrangement, like I did here. Then, place your floral bowl in a place where you need that burst of joy most. Enjoy!

Supplies:

• 1 bundle of flowers (about 24 stems) + floral food packet

• spring branches & ornamental grasses found in your yard (optional)

• 6” bowl (cereal bowl size)

• floral shears (or garden clippers, kitchen shears, even craft scissors in a pinch)

• 12” square cut chicken wire

• wire cutters

• garden gloves to protect your hands when forming chicken wire

• clear floral tape (scotch tape will also do)

• lazy susan to easily move your arrangement and work from all sides (optional)

Preparation & Assembly:

• First prepare the mechanics. The mechanics are the non-floral elements used to assemble a floral arrangement. These materials will act as a grid in which the flowers are built into to hold each stem in its place.

• Wearing garden gloves, cut chicken wire roughly into a 12” square. Loosely form the chicken wire into a ball and place inside the bowl.

• Use clear floral tape to make an X shape over the top of the bowl to hold the chicken wire securely into place. This will also give extra support when adding the floral elements later.

• Fill the bowl with water and mix in a flower food packet, if your flowers came with one.

• Begin to arrange floral elements into the bowl. As a general rule, you will want to start with the strongest, thickest stems and end with the most delicate stems. Here, I began with branches, then the largest base flowers followed by taller focal flowers, and finally delicate stems, grasses and wispy greens.

At FirstLight, the care we provide goes beyond the basics of bathing, house cleaning and medication reminders. If you or your loved one wants to work in the garden or play a cherished game, we’re there. Our team, led by owners Lisa and Chris Price, will spend time getting to know your family and finding ways to enrich your lives. Let us create a personalized care plan that fits your unique needs. Call us today for a complimentary consultation to learn how we can do more for you and your family.

803-356-0916

Columbia.FirstLightHomeCare.com

GARDEN TO GLASS

DIY COCKTAILS WITH FRESH HERBS

Nothing says spring like the aroma of fresh-cut herbs in a crisp, cold, cocktail. With warmer weather finally here, growing herbs at home can transform your cocktail hour and add a fresh kick to your springtime favorites.

Growing herbs is incredibly easy and can be done in a variety of ways—from a container in a window, to a planter box in the yard. With a container or garden full of fresh herbs, you will be ready to take your cocktails up a notch.

Basil is a bright herb that is easy to grow and perfect for cocktails. Make sure to harvest immediately before mixing drinks and take leaves from the top to ensure a continual harvest. Fresh muddled basil leaves lend a crispness to the Gin Basil Cucumber cocktail.

Sage is easy to grow and does well in containers. The leaves add an earthy freshness to a refreshing cherry-infused Bourbon.

Mint is also easy to grow, but give it lots of room, as it likes to spread out and is virtually indestructible in the garden. Mint is a versatile herb but is especially lovely in the Rhubarb Mint Mojito.

Try recreating these refreshing cocktails with herbs grown at home and take your cocktail game to new heights!

ARTICLE BY TARA NORRIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADALYN SINCLAIR

MR. BROWN INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. cherry-sage infused Bourbon

• 0.75 oz. apple brandy or apple jack brandy

DIRECTIONS

• Place over an ice ball in an old-fashioned glass

• Top with ginger beer and garnish with Bordeaux cherries and leaf of sage

RHUBARB MINT MOJITO

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz. white rum

• 1 oz. rhubarb puree (2 cups rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water)

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves

• soda water

• lemon-lime soda

• ice

DIRECTIONS:

• Muddle mint, lime juice, and rhubarb puree in a glass or small cocktail shaker

• Once muddled, add the white rum and ice

• Top with large cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds

• Remove large shaker and pour everything into a glass

• Top with more ice

• Add soda water and lemon-lime soda (equal parts to your liking)

• Garnish with mint leaf and lime wheel

GIN BASIL CUCUMBER

INGREDIENTS

• 2-3 fresh basil leaves

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 0.25 oz. simple syrup

• 2-3 cucumber slices

• 2 oz. gin

• tonic water

DIRECTIONS

• Muddle basil, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber slices together in a small cocktail shaker

• Add gin and ice to cocktail shaker

• Shake well

• Strain over an ice ball

• Top with tonic water and garnish with basil leaf and a cucumber slice

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100 Years of Commitment to the Community

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF COLUMBIA CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL YEAR

ARTICLE BY BROOKE FONDER, PRESIDENT ELECT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MASON JAR PHOTOGRAPHY - KELLY MASON

For nearly a century, the Junior League of Columbia (JLC) has been making an impact throughout the Midlands area. The local organization, organized in 1924, stemmed from The Junior League of New York City organized in 1901 by Mary Harriman, who felt a responsibility to improve the social conditions of the New York City tenements. After a visit to NYC, Katharine Heath (later Katharine Heath Manning Perry) saw what Harriman’s organization was doing and wanted to bring it home to Columbia. She gathered ten friends, and together they formed the Junior League of Columbia. Katharine was a visionary who sought to create positive change, and this change has been occurring for over 100 years now.

Since its early beginnings, the JLC has been committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.  The League has consistently worked to address issues in the community by working to identify unmet needs and then working to provide aid with their dollars, hands, and time.

From its early beginnings, the Junior League has always been at the forefront of change.  During the late 20’s the League was on the cutting edge in hiring a teacher for the blind and in hosting monthly events for the Association for the Blind.  Moving into the 30’s the League worked tirelessly to help with relief and wellness efforts with the Community Center and assistance with the University of South Carolina’s Social Services graduate program.

Then in the 40’s, the focus changed to efforts with the war, along with continuing work to support the deaf and hard of hearing.   The League worked to provide audiometer screenings for children throughout

the area and helped to establish the Mental Hygiene Society.  They even worked to secure a psychiatric social worker for the area.  Later this work would help create the Social Hygiene Society of Richland County.  Along with these efforts, a marionette theater was created, and radio broadcasts for children began as new technologies emerged.

As time progressed, the League again reevaluated what was needed in the community. During the 50’s, the League focused a great deal of time and energy on working with the JLC Speech and Hearing Clinic. This newly formed clinic worked to identify and assist children with hearing and speech delays.  Additionally, League members stretched their leadership skills and began sitting on local Boards such as the American Red Cross, The Columbia Museum of Art, the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club and many more.  In fact, in one year, they had 63 members serving on local boards and non-profits throughout Columbia.

By the 1960’s the League was growing, and a new focus was found in creating “Fun Books” to place in the hands of children at hospitals, schools, and local area centers.  The TV/Radio committee created sixty-plus episodes titled, “Gallant Carolina” which highlighted the important history of our state and offered citizens the opportunity to learn more about our state.  Additionally, funding was provided to the Class for the Visually Handicapped, and continued hands and dollars were provided to local charity organizations in the area.

During the 70’s and the 80’s, the League began working alongside the Columbia Chamber of Commerce to make lasting changes. The League

Since its early beginnings, the Junior League of Columbia has been committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

As the organization celebrates its centennial year, it looks ahead to the next century with a renewed dedication to addressing crucial community needs and strengthening our advocacy voice.

opened a thrift store called “Second Look” to help acquire additional fundraising dollars to help the community.  During this time the League also began working with child advocacy programming and helped secure and fund the Richland County Coordinator for Child Abuse and Neglect. In the 80’s, this would help bring a larger awareness and need for assistance with domestic abuse and violence. Ultimately, members of JLC formed Guardian Ad Litum program and later Sistercare.  Sistercare is an organization the League still has a rich partnership with currently.  In 1986, the JLC started its most successful fundraiser to date, the annual Holiday Market.  Now in its 38th year, the weeklong event raises almost $300,000 annually that is invested back into the local community.

The 90’s saw another shift in focus with a stronger lens on leadership development training for members and support of the Congaree Land Trust.  Thanks to a successful capital campaign and a generous donation from a member, the League moved into its current headquarters on Devine Street and started a new community program titled “Smart Matters”.  This would become the League’s signature program for the next ten-plus years.  Members worked with local schools in Richland One to provide monthly educational programming for parents and their families.  These events provided meals, books, and toys to help encourage participation and continued support.

Since the turn of the century, the League has worked with a myriad of organizations and has expanded its reach in the community with a multitude of volunteer opportunities and grants.  JLC has partnered with Girls on the Run, Epworth Children’s Home, the Therapy Place, Camp Cole, Prisma Health, the Ronald McDonald House, the Dickerson Center,

local school districts, Power in Changing, and HomeWorks to name just a few.  The League also started programs such as “Kids in the Kitchen” to teach children about making healthy food choices and created an annual event called “ABC’s”.  This event partners with local schools and Walmart to offer needy families a chance to shop for an Apple (or other healthy fruit), a Book, a Coat, and Shoes for the winter season.  Additionally, the organization has worked tirelessly to diversify its membership to be more inclusive, and to offer training and educational opportunities for its members.

Therefore, in honor of its centennial year, the Junior Leagues is now directing its efforts toward promoting healthy relationships for women and children. This shift in focus underscores the League’s enduring commitment to empowering women and children to lead lives of fulfillment and vitality through the cultivation of healthy relationships.  By prioritizing this area, JLC aims to forge a positive and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families throughout Richland and Lexington counties.

As the organization celebrates its centennial year, it looks ahead to the next century with a renewed dedication to addressing crucial community needs and strengthening our advocacy voice.  With 1,400 diverse and unique members who share a rich history of leadership, service, and action, it is clear the organization is poised to make a positive impact on the community for the next 100 years.

To learn more about the Junior League of Columbia please visit JLColumbia.org. To learn more about the Association of Junior Leagues International and see if there is a local organization for you to serve with, be sure to visit TheJuniorLeagueInternational.org

eFonder, President

"Our League, as I see it, was organized as a means of expressing the feeling of social responsibility for the conditions which surrounded us. We have the responsibility to act, and we have the opportunity to conscientiously act to affect the environment around us.” -Mary Harriman, 1912

Southeastern BBQ Showdown 2024

ARTICLE BY BY KELLY HUGHES, CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED JUNE

Get ready to ignite your taste buds as Capital City/ Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) rolls out the red carpet for the much-anticipated inaugural Southeastern BBQ Showdown, taking place on June 14-15, 2024, at Segra Park. This event will make history as the first food sport competition held in a sports stadium. And guess who’s set to light up the stage? None other than the legendary Grammy® Award-winning Country Music band, Alabama!

For over fifty years, Alabama has been a driving force in the world of Country Music, revolutionizing the genre with their electrifying performances and innovative style. From introducing rock-style guitars, lights, and pyrotechnics to influencing a generation of artists spanning various genres, Alabama’s impact is unparalleled.

“I look forward to singing ‘Mountain Music,’ ‘Tennessee River,’ ‘Feels So Right’ and so many more,” says ALABAMA frontman Randy Owen. “It’s just a matter of getting up on stage and enjoying it. We can’t wait to see the fans who made it all possible.”

But the Southeastern BBQ Showdown isn’t just about the music; it’s a celebration of all things BBQ! On June 14, the festivities kick off with “South Carolina Night”, featuring the South Carolina BBQ Association’s chicken

wing competition, interactive exhibits, and live performances by the #1 Shag Band in the Southeast, Band of Oz. Then, on June 15, prepare for the “Ultimate Showdown” as 25 teams from across the competition BBQ world serve up delectable samples, while celebrity judges showcase their skills by sampling and critiquing the culinary creations.

Brad Shank, the Team President of the Columbia Fireflies, shares his excitement, saying, “Our team can’t wait to welcome competitors and BBQ enthusiasts to Segra Park for the Southeastern BBQ Showdown. It’s going to be a sizzling event filled with fantastic food, great music, and the perfect kickoff to summer!”

So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a weekend of culinary delights and toe-tapping tunes at the Southeastern BBQ Showdown. For more information, including details on BBQ teams, vendors, hotel reservations, tickets, and more, visit SoutheasternBBQShowdown.com. And be sure to follow the Showdown on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Plus, don’t miss the Behind the Plate video podcast hosted by Emcee Mark Conway, premiering every Wednesday on YouTube, for an insider’s look at all the excitement leading up to the big event!

events

MAY 9TH-12TH

2024 Bassmaster Elite Series

Lake Murray | 8:00 AM

The Elites will travel to South Carolina for a return visit to Lake Murray — a fishery that provided one of the more entertaining events on the 2023 schedule, with Florida pro Drew Benton catching 87 pounds for the victory. The sprawling 50,000-acre lake placed fourth overall on Bassmaster Magazine’s list of 100 Best Bass Lakes! Don't miss it!

MAY 11TH

Riverbanks Run

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden | 7:30 AM

Grab a friend and have a blast as you run through the zoo! The miles will zoom by as you pass and admire the wildlife Riverbanks has around every corner! Enjoy drinks and snacks after you cross the finish line.

MAY 11TH

Mother’s Day - Wicks & Wine: Custom Candle Making Workshop

Studio- 2900 Leesburg Rd. Suite 60 Columbia, SC 29209 | 12:30 PM

Treat your mom to a candle-making workshop for Mother's Day this year! During this Flickers & Wicks workshop, you'll get hands-on experience crafting your very own soy wax candles. With a variety of vessels, scents, and personal customizations, you can pour your own luxury candle that's one of a kind! Complimentary wine and appetizers will be served.

MAY 12TH-16TH

Mother's Day Week at Craft Axe Throwing

Craft Axe Throwing - Lexington | 6:00 PM

This Mother's Day, Craft Axe Throwing is giving moms a break – literally! Moms throw FREE from May 12th to 16th. Flowers wilt, but the memory of mom hitting a bullseye lasts forever. Gather the family for a Mother's Day celebration that's both sharp and full of laughs!

Craft Axe Throwing – where moms rule the axes!

MAY 19TH

Drink Pink Rosé Festival

The Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | 12:00 PM

Come and enjoy the Southeast’s largest Rosé Festival in its ninth year! Drink Pink Rosé is dedicated to great wine, delicious food and music. Guests will enjoy sipping an assortment of fabulous rosé wines, while savoring the delicious food of chef Kristian Niemi from restaurants Bourbon and Black Rooster.

MAY 24TH

Lexington County Blowfish Opening Night

Lexington County Baseball Stadium | 7:00 PM

The Lexington County Blowfish are a summer collegiate baseball team in the Coastal Plain League. The team plays its home games at the Lexington County Baseball Stadium. Join the Blowfish for their 2024 Home Opener vs the Macon Bacon! Stick around for fireworks after the game! Gates open at 6pm. Game time is 7:05pm.

POWER POSES

BRIDGE POSE (SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA)

Project radiance up and out from your heart while strengthening your back body.

CAMEL POSE (USTRASANA)

Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT

Brett Larkin, founder of Uplifted Yoga, teaches yoga designed to ignite a personal transformation. A trailblazer in the online yoga space, her award-winning YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers. Here she shares power poses to incorporate into your practice for a confident and powerful year.

WILD THING (CAMATKARASANA)

Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.

CAN YOGA HELP BUILD SELF-ESTEEM?

Confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin, and practicing yoga makes you more aware of your body. You are tuning into your breath, your feelings, and your true vision. Physically it strengthens you. Mentally it helps you focus. With improved posture, you stand taller; and with a clear mind you are more prepared and confident to take on what comes your way.

For more info about Brett and her online training options for all levels, go to BrettLarkin.com.

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